- Irish midfielder left Derby as free agent
- Was wanted at SToK Racecourse
- Moved to Barnsley on player-coach deal
WHAT HAPPENED?
It has been revealed that the former Republic of Ireland international snubbed the Red Dragons in order to link up with their League One rivals Barnsley as a free agent. Hourihane is heading back to Oakwell for a second spell on a deal that will see him take on playing and coaching responsibilities.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Wrexham had been hoping to add the 33-year-old’s pedigree to their ranks, with Hourihane boasting Premier League experience on his CV from a spell at Aston Villa. He also has 36 caps for his country and could have joined former international colleague James McClean at SToK Racecourse.
DID YOU KNOW?
Reynolds and McElhenney did all they could to put a deal in place, with Hollywood co-owners in North Wales making the funds available that allow ambitious deals to be sought. According to the Yorkshire Post, they had a “big offer” on the table for Hourihane.
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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?
Wrexham will not waste time mulling over what could have been, with Phil Parkinson working hard on identifying potential new recruits in just about every area of the field. He will be hoping to have bodies on board by the time another pre-season tour of North America is taken in from July 20.
